Where We Rise: Finding Strength, Confidence, and Community at Discover Circus
On the third floor of a quiet building in Nelson, BC, you’ll find a special studio where ordinary becomes extraordinary. There are hoops and silks dangling from the ceiling, laughter echoing off the walls, and the unmistakable energy of women reclaiming space: in their bodies, in the air, and in each other’s company.
This is Discover Circus. And for many of us, it’s where we’ve learned to rise.
The First Time You Fly
The first time most of us walk through the doors, it’s not with confidence, it’s with curiosity. We don’t come because we think we’re strong or graceful or brave. We come because something inside us is pulling toward possibility. Maybe it’s an inkling that you’ve got more in you. Maybe it’s just a need to shake off the weight of the world for an hour.
And then suddenly, your feet leave the ground.
You’re climbing fabric you thought you couldn’t hold, hanging upside down from a hoop, balancing on someone’s shoulders, laughing in disbelief. You look in the mirror and don’t just see yourself. You see a force. Perhaps for the first time in a long time you have realized that true wellness is not confined to physical fitness or mental health alone; it lives at the intersection of strength and artistic expression, self-discovery and community.
It’s about finding a space that nurtures the whole you—mind, body, and spirit.
Led by Women, Rooted in Community
Discover Circus is run by a team of bold, dedicated women who don’t just teach circus—they live it.
Jake The Lady and Jodie Michelle lead the charge, alongside a crew of eleven phenomenal women instructors and student mentors who bring fierce compassion, creativity, and a whole lot of strength into every class.
These are women who understand what it means to juggle motherhood and performance, heartbreak and handstands, exhaustion and joy. They make space for laughter, tears, silliness, and sweat—sometimes all in one class. They remind us that power doesn’t always look like perfection. Sometimes, it looks like showing up anyway.
More Than Movement
Of course, we train skills—silks, trapeze, hoop, partner acro, and more. But the real work is quieter. It’s in the trust that builds between two classmates as they learn to hold each other up. It’s in the eyes of a student who just nailed their first drop. It’s in the breath you take before you try again.
This isn’t just a circus school. It’s a place where confidence grows, friendships form, and the limits you thought you had start to shift.
All Are Welcome Here
One of the most radical things about Discover Circus is that it doesn’t ask you to be anything before you begin. You don’t have to be strong, or flexible, or experienced. You just have to be willing to try.
It’s a place where inclusivity isn’t just a policy, it’s a practice. People of all identities, bodies, ages, and backgrounds are welcomed fully. You don’t need to fit a mold to belong here. You don’t need to leave parts of yourself at the door.
As a proud initiative of the not-for-profit Kootenay Circus Arts Association, Discover Circus provides accessible, inclusive circus education to all.
You are already strong enough to start.
The Future is in Motion
With a new venue to call home on the horizon, we’re dreaming even bigger. More space means more classes, more community, and more chances to come fly with us.
But no matter how we grow, we’ll hold onto what matters: a space shaped by women, for anyone brave enough to step into the ring.
So here’s to all of us: beginners, artists, dreamers.
About the Authors
Jodie Edmunds is the Assistant Executive Director of Discover Circus in Nelson, BC. A skilled performer, instructor, and community advocate, Jodie is deeply involved in both the artistic and operational sides of the organization. She brings years of experience in circus arts, facilitation, and movement-based education to her work, with a passion for helping people rediscover strength and joy through creative expression. Whether she’s performing on silks or guiding students through their first aerial experience, Jodie leads with warmth, inclusivity, and a belief that circus is for everyone. Her leadership plays a vital role in shaping Discover Circus as a safe, supportive space for people of all ages, identities, and abilities.
Jake Jacobs, also known as Jake The Lady, is the Executive Director of Discover Circus and a multidisciplinary circus artist whose work blends performance, education, and community building. With a background in classical dance and a deep love for circus disciplines—including aerial silks, hoop, trapeze, and partner acro—Jake is both a visionary leader and a hands-on instructor. Her journey began with hula hooping and quickly expanded into a dynamic career centered around movement and empowerment. Under her leadership, Discover Circus has grown into a thriving hub where wellness, creativity, and connection intersect. Jake is especially passionate about fostering inclusive spaces and making circus accessible to all, regardless of background or experience.
Together, Jodie and Jake are the heart of Discover Circus—creating not just a training space, but a vibrant community where people come to rise.
